According to The Chronicle’s Chris Waugh, Newcastle have ‘watched’ both Toulouse’s Christopher Jullien and Lyon’s Myziane Maolida – however he believes deals for both look ‘unlikely at the minute’, despite some strong claims from France today.
Starting with Jullien, it was reported in by L’Equipe last night that we had made contact with Toulouse over a deal for the 6ft 5′ centre-back, stating that a bit was ‘expected imminently’.
Then to Maolida and the same source (L’Equipe) have also suggested that we were still in ‘negotiations’ for the 19-year old Lyon striker – even claiming that he was unexpectedly withdrawn from their squad that’s set to take on Chelsea today.
Here’s what The Chronicle’s Chris Waugh has said on Twitter in response to both rumours:
“Have checked out the latest Christopher Jullien links this morning and, though NUFC have watched him, it sounds like the club are pursuing alternative centre-back options at the moment.
“Also Maolida of Lyon is someone who has been tracked, but a move for him this window is unlikely at the minute.”
Have checked out the latest Christopher Jullien links this morning &, though #nufc have watched him, it sounds like the club are pursuing alternative centre-back options atm. Also Maolida of Lyon is someone who has been tracked, but a move for him this window is unlikely atm
— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) August 7, 2018
So, it sounds like we may be looking at other options to Jullien – something which shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise given his alleged £8.5m price tag. An overseas loan deal may be the most likely route taken to replace Lejeune.
As far as Maolida goes, a 19-year old striker does not seem like a priority right now, with a centre-back, a left-back and a number 10 reported to be Rafa’s main focus with just over 48 hours of the window left to run.